Indonesian fisherman found off Tioman repatriated

Johor Baru: An Indonesian fisherman, separated from his boat with his two children, has been returned to his homeland after being found drifting off the coast of Tioman Island in Pahang, Malaysia. The Indonesian Consulate in Johor Bahru collaborated with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to conduct a search and rescue mission following a missing-person report from Indonesian authorities.

Consular Officer Dhania Afini Lestari revealed that the rescued individual, Bachtiar from Anambas Islands, underwent a medical check-up and received temporary lodging and provisions. He was transferred to Indonesian border officials at the maritime boundary between Malaysia and Indonesia at 5pm today, according to a statement from the consulate.

Bachtiar went missing on October 10 when he became separated from his vessel while fishing with his children. Their boat had run out of fuel and provisions before he was discovered safe in waters near Tioman Island on Thursday. The consulate has warned fishermen to ensure their boats are seaworthy, carry enough fuel and food, and carry navigation and communication equipment before setting out to sea.